MITCHELL REPUBLIC: Kelsey Geraets named 2023 Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year

Geraets is the manager of her family’s feedlot operation near Colton, South Dakota. Agriculture has always been her passion.

“I started off feeding bottle calves when I was much younger. That kind of instilled a little drive to be in agriculture,” Geraets said.

She graduated in 2020 from South Dakota State University with a degree in animal science. Along with managing the feedlot, Geraets is first female to be a member of the South Dakota Corn Growers Board. She also serves as president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Auxiliary and is a member of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council board.

Now, she is being honored as this year’s Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year.